Session

Topic

Brief Description

1

Introduction

Introduce Module themes and assessment methodology. Explore student's familiarity with specific terms and terminology such as definitions and forms of corruption and explain and clarify them in more detail; relevance of comparative politics related to anti-corruption mechanisms.

2

Democratic systems

Provide an overview of the characteristics of democratic systems; description of differences and variances across them related to the democracy-corruption link.

3

Authoritarian regimes

Give an overview of the characteristics of authoritarian systems and the relationship between authoritarianism and corruption. Provide a description of differences and variances between regimes.

4

Comparison of political systems related to anti-corruption mechanisms

Compare democratic, hybrid and authoritarian systems related to anti-corruption mechanisms; select specific criteria for the comparison and develop a table together with the students.

5

Syndromes of corruption

Introduce students to Johnston's syndromes of corruption and identify examples of these patterns.

6

State capture

What is state capture? Why is this form of corruption a risk for democratic, hybrid and authoritarian systems? How can it be mitigated?

7

Country cases and deep democratization

Watch one of the YouTube videos (see additional teaching tools) and ask students if and where exactly they see a solution to curb corruption in these specific cases. Include a discussion on the "Deep Democratization Approach".

8

Anti-corruption strategies

The students should describe potential strategies to fight corruption in an authoritarian as well as hybrid and democratic states. Which forms of corruption might appear and how can they be mitigated? Use specific country examples.

9

The politics of parties and funding options

What role do political parties play in authoritarian systems? How are political parties financed in democracies? Students can try to answer these questions in groups and present their results in the class.

Alternatively use Exercise 3: Establish an anti-corruption party

10

Summary and critical reflection

Students should assess anti-corruption mechanisms of different political systems. They should also consider the potential benefits of corruption in those systems. They can write a short essay or present their thoughts in class.